CBS eyes YouTube for Barker tribute

Fans can submit video farewell

CBS is firming up its plans to bid farewell to Bob Barker — and there’s even a YouTube twist.

Net, which announced plans for a primetime tribute to the “Price Is Right” host when he announced his retirement last fall, has now decided to air two specials boosting Barker.

First, set to air May 16 at 8 p.m., will be a primetime edition of “Price” in which contestants will have a shot at $1 million. It will mark Barker’s final appearance hosting the show at night.

Then, on Thursday, May 17, Eye will air “Bob Barker: A Celebration of 50 Years on Television.” Hourlong spec will include a look at his 35 years on “Price” as well as the other 15 years of his career.

To help boost awareness for the specials, CBS is launched a promotion in which Barker fans can send in 15-second homemade videos paying tribute to the host. Vids can be submitted via a special section on YouTube, with the best slated to run on either the daytime or primetime editions of “Price.”

The “Price”-YouTube promotion is linked to the “15 Seconds” campaign CBS and the online giant announced at CES in January. First videos aired on CBS during the net’s February coverage of Super Bowl Sunday.

A few key details of Operation: Bye-Bye Bob have yet to be worked out. CBS still isn’t saying when Barker will tape his final daytime show (likely in June) or when it will air.

It’s also discounting the rash of rumors regarding Barker’s replacement, including the latest rumblings about George Hamilton taking over the gig.